Call Us atBicycling offers residents entertainment, efficient transportation, and exercise. With access to a network of paved trails and a bicycle-friendly downtown area, riders can reach many popular destinations. However, downtown streets and local highways force cyclists to share the road with other vehicles, making them vulnerable to serious injury if an accident occurs.
Understanding the common causes of bicycle accidents in Bothell can help you avoid potential danger and reduce your risk of injury. If you were involved in a bicycle accident, an experienced bicycle accident attorney can investigate the cause of the accident and inform you of your eligibility for compensation for your injuries.
Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Limited visibility and careless driving are often the cause of Bothell bicycle accidents. Bicycles are smaller and less noticeable than other vehicles on the roadways, making them easier for drivers to overlook. They also travel more slowly, making it impossible for cyclists to get out of the way when motorists drive erratically. Still, drivers have a duty to ensure the road is safe for all who use it, including cyclists. All too often, the following common causes of bicycle accidents can be related to negligence.
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Distracted driving
- Poor road conditions
- Driving under the influence
- Failure to use headlights in low-light conditions
Reckless behavior, such as speeding, distracted driving, and failure to follow the rules of the road, often leads motorists to overlook bicyclists completely. Riders injured in such accidents are entitled to compensation to support the best recovery possible.
Proving Negligence in Bicycle Accidents
Since bicycles lack the protective features of cars, cyclists are more likely to sustain serious injuries in an accident. However, accident victims are only eligible for compensation if they can prove someone else’s negligence caused the accident. For example, a distracted driver may not see a bicycle at an intersection and fail to yield the right of way, causing an accident. In an accident caused by poor roadway conditions (such as damaged asphalt or construction with no warning sign), the Washington State Department of Transportation or local government entities may be held liable for negligence.
To prove negligence and secure compensation for bicycle accident victims, a bicycle crash lawyer will investigate the cause of the accident. This might include accident reconstruction, gathering evidence (photos, witness statements, medical records, etc.), and working with medical and transportation experts. The lawyer will then use the evidence to show negligence caused the accident, which resulted in the rider’s injuries. Often, compelling evidence can be used to negotiate a fair settlement without a court trial.
Contact a Skilled Bicycle Attorney to Learn More About Causes of Bothell Bicycle Accidents
Many of the common causes of bicycle accidents in Bothell are related to driver negligence. Unfortunately, these cases can be difficult to prove. If you or a loved one was injured in a bicycle accident, an experienced bicycle crash attorney can help you gather evidence to identify the cause of the crash and hold negligent parties responsible for their careless actions.
At Libby Law Offices, LLC, our bicycle wreck attorneys work tirelessly to get injured cyclists the compensation they deserve. We never charge a fee unless you are compensated for your losses, so you do not have to worry about additional expenses while you are trying to recover from your accident. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your bicycle accident.
